UDP Leadership Shake-Up: Senator Replaced Amidst Party Discontent

Following this weekend’s NPC meeting, the LOO moved to replace the party’s Belize Rural Central Standard Bearer Beverly Williams as the opposition’s Senator. In a letter dated today, Barrow informs Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam of the appointment of Mark O’Brian as UDP senator. The letter says, “I write to you on this occasion under the Belize Constitution to advise Her Excellency to declare the seat of Senator Beverly Williams vacant. I hereby nominate Mr. Mark O’Brian to fill the seat left vacant by Beverly Williams.” Barrow has yet to provide a reason for the replacement, but our newsroom understands that Williams was among the party members who boycotted Barrow’s NPC meeting and opted to meet with members of the UDP’s caucus for change. Our newsroom reached out to Barrow for an interview on this weekend’s event and O’Brien’s appointment. However, the LOO declined our request and only stated the meeting went well and said QUOTE “In keeping with my policy of regional inclusion I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mark O’Brien, Standard Bearer of Cayo Central, as Senator.” UNQUOTE The party has also appointed Franklin Polonio and Shary Medina as Temporary Senators. The next Senate meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.